The Clearaudio Compact Phono is a small external phono preamplifier for moving-magnet (MM) and moving-coil (MC) cartridges. It switches between those modes with a pushbutton, but the MM/MC label alone does not establish compatibility: gain and input loading must also suit your particular cartridge. Clearaudio’s published MC-loading figures conflict, so verify that specification if cartridge loading is critical to your setup.
Will it work with your MM or MC cartridge?
Clearaudio specifies both MM and MC operation, with separate gain and input-loading figures for each mode. The mode is selected using a pushbutton. These are the published specifications, not an independent test:
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| Mode | Gain at 1 kHz | Input loading |
|---|---|---|
| MM | 40 dB | 47 kΩ / 100 pF |
| MC | 60 dB | Best-supported figure: 100 Ω / 100 pF; Clearaudio’s page also has a conflicting table entry of 100 kΩ / 100 pF |
For MM, the official product page specifies 47 kΩ / 100 pF. For MC, its descriptive copy says 100 Ω / 100 pF, but its technical table appears to say 100 kΩ / 100 pF. What Hi-Fi?’s September 17, 2026 launch report also gives 100 Ω / 100 pF, making that the better-supported figure, not a discrepancy that can be conclusively resolved from the published page. If the exact MC load matters for your cartridge, check the current manual or confirm it with Clearaudio before buying. Clearaudio Compact Phono specifications; What Hi-Fi?’s launch report.
Before choosing a mode, check the cartridge maker’s recommended load and the preamp’s gain against your cartridge and system. MM or MC support tells you which cartridge family the preamp can accept; it does not by itself guarantee the specific electrical match.
#1 Best Overall
- Clearaudio Concept MC (Moving Coil) Phono Cartridge
How small is the Compact Phono, and what connects to it?
Clearaudio lists the preamp at approximately 80 × 115 × 26 mm and about 310 g. It has stereo RCA input and output connections, and uses an external ±18 V DC / 300 mA power supply. The listed finishes are silver and black aluminum. The figures and connections are manufacturer specifications. Clearaudio’s product page.
Its compact dimensions may help when there is limited space near a turntable, but check the placement and cable clearance your setup requires; the chassis dimensions do not include extra room for RCA plugs or the power connection.
What features and specifications does Clearaudio claim?
Clearaudio describes a low-noise, two-stage circuit with integrated subsonic and ultrasonic filtering. What Hi-Fi? reports the manufacturer’s filter figures as 16 Hz for the subsonic filter and 70 kHz for the ultrasonic filter. These are manufacturer-attributed design claims, not independent findings about audible performance.
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| Specification | Published figure |
|---|---|
| RIAA accuracy | ±0.5 dB, 20 Hz–50 kHz |
| Distortion | Below 0.0065% |
| A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio | 76 dB (MM); 65 dB (MC) |
| MC headroom | 29 dB |
| Maximum output | 10 V RMS at 1 kHz |
| Channel separation | Above 80 dB at 1 kHz |
| Output impedance | 100 Ω |
These figures come from Clearaudio’s specifications; they should not be read as independently measured results or a substitute for listening comparisons.
Rank #3
- Clearaudio Virtuoso v2 MM (Moving Magnet) Phono Cartridge
What does it cost, and what should you check before buying?
What Hi-Fi? reported launch prices of £490, €490 and US$639 on September 17, 2026, and said the model was available in black and silver. Those are launch-context prices, not a current quote or confirmation of stock in any region. Check a local dealer for today’s price, availability and applicable warranty terms.
Clearaudio lists a two-year manufacturer warranty and says registration or return of the warranty card within two weeks is required for full coverage. Requirements can depend on regional terms, so confirm the conditions that apply where you buy. The manufacturer’s product page.
Rank #4
- As Clearaudio continue to advance standards in our range of moving coil (MC) cartridges, we felt it was equally time to turn our attention to the moving magnet (MM) range and to make a new statement. From the Concept V2 to the Maestro V2, our MM cartridges have long been at the forefront of the moving magnet field and have proved popular among music lovers for their distinctive high quality. The Charisma V2 is the new flagship of the Clearaudio MM cartridge range.
- Only the finest materials qualified for inclusion, including the same diamond-coated Boron cantilever found in our world-leading Goldfinger Statement MC cartridge. The use of highly efficient magnets gives the dynamic Charisma V2 an almost record-breaking output, easily enough to amply drive less sensitive phono stages. The double-polished diamond stylus is mounted on the cantilever with matchless precision, ensuring excellent frequency response and the highest channel separation.
- The cartridge body is made from the finest ebony wood and is set with a precious metal-bearing inlay. The result? A quality of sound that, until now, seemed unachievable rom MM cartridges. Utterly charismatic.
- The Charisma V2 is Clearaudio’s flagship Moving Magnet cartridge and is made from the finest materials including the same Boron cantilever found in their top-of-the-range Goldfinger Statement MC cartridge. Utilizing ultra-high efficiency magnets, the Charisma V2 is capable of almost unmatched output, allowing it to easily drive less-sensitive phono stages for maximum system compatibility.
- Its double-polished Gyger S shaped stylus is mated to the cantilever with matchless precision, ensuring excellent frequency response and the highest channel separation. The Charisma V2 is housed in a special Ebony wood body with silver inlay for added mass and resonance control.
For a useful comparison with another phono stage, compare MM/MC support, gain, cartridge loading, connections, size, filtering, warranty and current local pricing. What Hi-Fi?’s September 2026 launch coverage named the Cambridge Audio Duo MC/MM and Graham Slee Reflex M as context, but its article does not establish a like-for-like independent listening comparison. Treat the other products’ prices there as reported launch/context figures rather than current offers. What Hi-Fi? launch coverage.
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Best Value
- The IEC Cartridge Alignment Gauge is an aluminum gauge for all radial tonearms.
- It can be used for tonearms from 7.9″-15.7″ (effective tonearm length).
- Precise alignment gauge for all radial tonearms. Made out of aluminium.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
